The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1887-05-06

] ihiu uiops, Wuiie dS III w HlOCh NJ my
quickened fears, the wires continued
their monotonous warning: "Watch
the box Watch the box Watch
the boxp ! did watch the box, and
as by inspiration / grasped the stu
alton. There vas indeed man IN the
box, but not dead one. A living
man, who had boldly lent himself to a
plot to rob or murder me, perhaps
both.
| remembered the straggler who had
surprised me while at the safe, several
hours before. He had doubtless fol.
lowed Colonel Holloway AMI witness
ed the money transaction. Quick and
fast flew my thoughts in the startled
endeavor to grasp some plan of action.
Single handed | was no match for any
man, having recently recovered from
an attack of malarial fever. This one
in the box (f indeed there was one)
must mean TO secure his prize before
the train was due, and escape the con-
sequences. He must have accomplices,
and these were doubtless on watch,
waiting either to give or to receive a
signal. AT least it was not probable
that he would undertake the job alone,
and the fact that he had confederates
had already appeared.
Perhaps the sight of my pistols had
delayed the attack. Perhaps some
part of their plan had miscarried and
caused delay. AT all events l must be
cool. | faucied saw his eyes through
the dark patch or the box. was al
most sure he was slowly lifting the lid.
There was no help near, and much
might be done in the time still to
elapse before the tram was due.
Quietly walking to the battery,
feigned to take message. In reality
| sent one to the conductor of the on.
coming express, as the only device
whereby | could secure assistance, and
this would doubtless be too late. Yet
it was all that l could do just now.
With every sense on the alert, l arose
to secrete my keys if possible, when
the door burst open, and Frank Morris,
my future brotherin-law, rushed in,
followed by huge dog that was
Ellen's special pet and attendant.
''Confound you y said Frank, sput
teriug about, and shaking himself as
vigorously as the dog. "I'll be blow
ed if ever | 90 on such another fools
errand as this"
"Why, you are pretty well 'blowed,
now,' | said, with poor attempt TO
be funny, but immensely relieved 81
never was so glad to see anybody in
MY life T. and l meant it.
"There 1t is, he said; snake much
OF it" as he cleverly tipped little
white missive over to me. "Such bill.
ing and cooling l never want TO see
agair Regular spoons, by Jove
Can't go to sleep till she knows you
haven't been melted or washed away
Or something. And Cato must come
along to see that her precious brother
doesn't ge. lost. Ugh! Lie down
! over there, old fellow ~ Then to me
he said: Here, help me out OF this
wet thing"
But | was engrossed, just then, and
Kidding himself OF the offending gar
ment, the broad -shouldered Young
, athlete strobe about in mock impa
tience.
Heavens what a night !" he ex
claimed "What time does your trail
pass? Ten2 Just three minutes.
guess I'll stay; but we'll have tha
!, young damsel floating down here il
:. she doesn't hear pretty soon. Hello
! Cato! What's the matter?" as the do.
: gave low growl. "What's that il
the corner, Bowen?'
The dog continued to growl and lool
> suspiciously about as the young fellow
J ratified on.
. THAT, said lis dead man."
':Humph!" he laughed. "Jolly goo,
; company for such a night. / say
Bowen, you've got nice toy there,
% and he took up the pistol that lay o.
y the table. Meanwhile had scrawle,
y on piece of paper, which l quietl
placed near the pistol. "lhe man i
the box is a burglar. Be ready for a
! attack"
+, "Oho! that's the game ~ he sale
= aloud. and instantly strobe across tn
!, room, as Cato spraDg up and barke
= furiously at the box. Simultaneous
y the top of the box flew up, and utter
= ing shriil whistle the man sprang t
a sitting posture, while through tn
> wide flung door the other two ruflian
= appeared with pistols cooked. A
- once there began deadly struggle
=, The dog had leaped upon the box an
y knocked the dead" mans pistol ou
Of his hand, as Frank shouted, "Tsht
= Cato" unwilling that the dog shoul
q tear him to pieces, but wishing to kee
. him at bay.
= "Your keys!' yelled the other mel
l. ''or by heavens you'll dropl'
3 Instantly closing in, man to maj
d the fierce struggle went on amid shout
, curses and pistol shots
ii 'Call off your cursed dogw scream
ed the "dead' man continually.
Is The encounter, which had occupie
q scarcely a minute, was at its deadlies
!. both Frank and endeavoring to dis
,, arm rather than kill, when the whist
q of the train sounded and in anothe
.r moment the conductor and his me
It were among us.
"Seize that scoundrel I" shoute
e, Frank, breathlessly, indicating tn
e man in the box. "IIere, Cato!' an
the obedient animal unwillingly r.
,e tired, but continued his savage growl
!, AT this juncture my man fell hea
h lily to the floor, wounded in the le,
If and uttering groans and imprecation
n 1t was quick work to secure the me-
,e and Jake, who opportunely reappea
ed, was sent TO summon the villal
!, police. Some of the passengers, in
- patient at the delay, had got wind {
/ tie adventure, aud now crowded int
y the station in no little excitemen
II The box was found to have a fais
d side piece, next the wall, which WI
3. easily pushed down by lhe man insid
4 for greater comfort in his crampe
" position; and there were beside nun
q Der of air holes 1t was the moyin
w of this side-panel that caused IL
10 muffled noise / had heard.
II | was questioned in all possib